1957 buick roadmaster model 73 How many built with color

[Guest Backstreetautomall]

The cars color code is a P were can I find out how many used this color because there were only 11000 built

[John_S_in_Penna]

The letter "P" for 1957 Buicks refers to "Shell Beige,"

a pale pinkish-orange coral color.

 

Was there just one letter for color on the car's data plate?

That would refer to a single, solid color for the exterior.

However, my Buick reference material (from the factory, 

as revised June 10, 1957), says the paint would be indicated

by 2 or 3 letters on the order form, so a solid shell-beige car

would be ordered as PP or PPP.  I think this same

2- or 3-letter code would appear on the data plate under the hood.

 

From what I understand, all 1957 Buicks initially had 

their 2-tone paints separated by the bodyside sweepspear

molding.  There were no 2-tones initially that had the color separation

at the roof.  Then, mid-way in the model year, the Supers and

Roadmasters ONLY began offering the 2-tones separated

at the roof only, if you chose.  I'm quite sure there were not any 3-tone cars that year.

 

For example:

Two different letters, such as NP, would signify a 2-tone separated at the bodyside molding.

That means a garnet red roof and upper bodyside, and a shell beige lower bodyside.

("N" = Garnet Red.)

A triple letter, offered later in the year, such as NPP, would signify a garnet red roof,

and shell beige above the bodyside molding, 

and shell beige below the bodyside molding.

 

Edited April 23, 2017 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

I don't know whether anyone has tracked

the production numbers of various colors

for 1957 Buicks.  There must have been 100

or more possible combinations, so most every

combination had a fairly small production,

and nothing would stand out as "rare."

 

If anyone knows more about color production quantities,

please let us know.

[Guest Backstreetautomall]

11 minutes ago, John_S_in_Penna said:

The letter "P" for 1957 Buicks refers to "Shell Beige,"

a pale pinkish-orange coral color.

 

Was there just one letter for color on the car's data plate?

That would refer to a single, solid color for the exterior.

However, my Buick reference material (from the factory, 

as revised June 10, 1957), says the paint would be indicated

by 2 or 3 letters on the order form, so a solid shell-beige car

would be ordered as PP or PPP.  I would think this same

2- or 3-letter code would appear on the data plate under the hood.

 

From what I understand, all 1957 Buicks initially had 

their 2-tone paints separated by the bodyside sweepspear

molding.  There were no 2-tones initially that had the color separation

at the roof.  Then, mid-way in the model year, the Supers and

Roadmasters ONLY began offering the 2-tones separated

at the roof only, if you chose.  I'm quite sure there were not any 3-tone cars that year.

 

For example:

Two different letters, such as NP, would signify a 2-tone separated at the bodyside molding.

That means a garnet red roof and upper bodyside, and a shell beige lower bodyside.

("N" = Garnet Red.)

A triple letter, offered later in the year, such as NPP, would signify a garnet red roof,

and shell beige above the bodyside molding, 

and shell beige below the bodyside molding.

 

I check it has PP

[john2dameron]

A friend bought a new Buick Super Riviera Coupe that was that awful pinkish color that John described.  If they only make one of them, that was a good thing.   I don't recall his being two-tone.

 

[John_S_in_Penna]

Colors go in and out of fashion, so I'd say that

"shell beige" epitomizes the 1950's.  How much

more colorful cars were, compared to today's

light gray, medium gray, dark gray, black and white!

The 1957 Buick large sales catalogue even 

illustrated one model in shell beige and white 2-tone.

 

So Bruce, enjoy the 1950's cars in all their color,

and don't let today's tastes dissuade you from buying.

[Guest BillP]

1 hour ago, John_S_in_Penna said:

Colors go in and out of fashion, so I'd say that

"shell beige" epitomizes the 1950's.  How much

more colorful cars were, compared to today's

light gray, medium gray, dark gray, black and white!

The 1957 Buick large sales catalogue even 

illustrated one model in shell beige and white 2-tone.

 

So Bruce, enjoy the 1950's cars in all their color,

and don't let today's tastes dissuade you from buying.

 

In a sign that today's color pendulum has swung so far from the pastel fifties as to have broken completely free of its moorings, see Benz's wildly creative interpretation of five shades of black:

 

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/build/class-S/model-S550V#tab=tab-exterior

[John_S_in_Penna]

33 minutes ago, BillP said:

In a sign that today's color pendulum has swung so far from the pastel fifties as to have broken completely free of its moorings, see Benz's wildly creative interpretation of five shades of black:

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/build/class-S/model-S550V#tab=tab-exterior

 

Those choices by Mercedes-Benz are the worst color palette I've ever seen.

I wonder whether the designers have gone color-blind, seeing only 

shades of black and white.  I wish I could have been a car buyer in the 1950's.

[mike6024]

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/colour_swatch_buick_1957

[john2dameron]

I will always pleasantly remember the colorful paint choices Packard offered on their tri-colored automobiles in 1955/56 and also the myriad color selection offered on '58 Edsels.

[8E45E]

19 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said:

I wish I could have been a car buyer in the 1950's.

Just buy a Porsche!

 

One can order any color they want you want in their PTS (paint to sample) program:  http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a32032/you-can-actually-have-a-911-r-in-any-color-you-want/

 

One in a 1950's shade: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?15836-Interesting-items-at-the-British-Car-Show&highlight=porsche

 

And Porsche isn't the only car manufacturer who will paint a vehicle any color one wants. Aston Martin, and Rolls Royce will as well.

 

Craig

[1940TORPEDO]

1 hour ago, 8E45E said:

Just buy a Porsche!

 

One can order any color they want you want in their PTS (paint to sample) program:  http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a32032/you-can-actually-have-a-911-r-in-any-color-you-want/

 

One in a 1950's shade: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?15836-Interesting-items-at-the-British-Car-Show&highlight=porsche

 

And Porsche isn't the only car manufacturer who will paint a vehicle any color one wants. Aston Martin, and Rolls Royce will as well.

 

Craig

BMW also

 

[John_S_in_Penna]

2 hours ago, 8E45E said:

Just buy a Porsche!

 

One can order any color they want you want in their PTS (paint to sample) program:  http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a32032/you-can-actually-have-a-911-r-in-any-color-you-want/

 

Good point, Craig!  And Porsche has "Leather to Sample" also.

Give them any color you want, and they'll have the leather dyed to match.

Those various custom programs, though, can greatly increase the cost of

an everyday Porsche to something much higher than the usual.

[8E45E]

5 hours ago, 1940TORPEDO said:

BMW also

 

I would have liked to included Cadillac as at one time, they did have a program where they would paint a brand new one in any previous year's color, even Mountain Laurel if one so dared.  But I'm not so sure if they still offer that option.

 

Craig